House Tours

A trendy-meets-traditional family home designed for everyday life

When you’re a designer who specializes in hip eateries, it’s natural to be nervous about designing your first home, especially when it comes to the kitchen. “I definitely felt a lot of pressure because I’m known for my work in the restaurant business,” says Tanya Krpan, design director for the popular North American restaurant chain Earls Kitchen + Bar. Throw in a spouse, Jure, who happens to be a builder and a baby on the way and you’ve almost got the makings of a reality show. But this one has a happy ending: “I did most of the interior, and Jure handled the construction,” says Tanya. “We worked well together.”

That was four years ago. Now, Tanya and Jure have three children – Ivan, 3, Cruz, 2, and five-month-old Belle – to fill up the 3,500-square-foot home that was their first co-production. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom house in Richmond, B.C., represents the couple’s shared vision. “We wanted a clean aesthetic with classic elements,” says Tanya. Though this might sound like a contradiction in terms, the neutral walls and black casement windows provide a fresh counterpoint to the home’s traditional panelling and coffered ceilings.

Photo Gallery

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Save on accessories

Homeowner Tanya Krpan (pictured here) saved on accessories by loading the family room sectional with an assortment of ready-made toss cushions.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

A grand entryway

Tanya isn’t afraid to play with negative space, as seen in the home’s grand entryway. “Normally, you’d expect a mirror or big piece of art hanging above the wainscotting,” she says. Leaving the wall blank and layering small pieces on the console allows the millwork to shine.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Create a contrast

Black casement windows and decorative accents create contrast in the neutral space. Tanya scored the vintage coffee table when her office was being redecorated.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Creating a classic-cool mix

The family room’s classic-cool mix feels right for a young family.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Restaurant-style kitchen

The kitchen, of course, is the true star of the show. Tanya’s restaurant-design pedigree shines through in the room’s floor-to-ceiling tiles, mix of open and closed storage and high-end appliances. She opted for white Shaker-style cabinetry and warmed up the space with a walnut island and brass hardware statement lighting and fixtures.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Traditional and contemporary space

Another bistro-inspired touch was her choice of dark honed-limestone tiles for most of the main floor. “The tile grounds the space since there’s an abundance of white everywhere,” Tanya explains. “And it’s proven great for hiding dirt.”

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Designed for everyday life

Everything in the Krpans’ home is designed for everyday life and entertaining, from the large sectional in the family room to the round tables in the dining room and the kitchen’s eat-in area. “It’s more social to sit at a round table,” says Tanya. “You see everyone’s faces.”

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Gorgeous, white display

Cabinets with glass doors allow Tanya to display her favourite serving pieces and special glassware. She had the back of the kitchen cabinets tiled to highlight this focal point of the kitchen.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

A family affair

Tanya and Jure – with their sons, Ivan, 3, and Cruz, 2 – have recently welcomed a baby girl named Belle.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Brightening up the space

The living room’s crisp white, grey and black scheme gets an energy boost from fresh greenery, pops of pink and plenty of pattern – check out the Moroccan-style rug, the ikat-print and chevron-patterned toss cushions and the graphic stool fabric.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Feminine accessories on a budget

To offset the costs of the more expensive permanent elements, Tanya was meticulous with her decorating budget. She incorporated secondhand pieces, such as the family room coffee table, and sourced inexpensive art for the living room mantel. Affordable colourful accessories add youthful edginess to the living spaces. “I love the femininity that the splashes of pink add to the living room and family room,” she says. “Plus, by the time I got to the decorating, I was living with three boys!”

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Mixing styles

In the dining room, Tanya likes the juxtaposition of the modern Sputnik-inspired chandelier with the traditional coffered ceiling. The artwork was a DIY project Tanya and Jure painted together on her 30th birthday.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Planning ahead

Though this house has been well loved for years, there’s a sequel in the works: Tanya and Jure are in the process of building a new home. “We’ll keep some of the same elements but go a little more modern in the kitchen,” says Tanya. We’ll definitely stay tuned.

Organizing Ideas

10 things to do in December

With the holiday season is upon us, make the most of this month by tackling these tasks.

As the song says, it's the most wonderful time of the year – and it only lasts a few weeks. Avoid seasonal stress by staying organized and having realistic expectations of what you can achieve. To help you make the most of the holiday season, here are 10 things to do this December.

1 Clean out the freezer
It's all too easy to let food accumulate in the freezer – and before long, not only is it too crowded to make room for more, but there are items in the back that should probably be thrown away. Set aside some time to organize your freezer – you may be amazed at what you'll find in there.

2 Make a wreath
Not only is a wreath on the front door inviting, but it really makes a house look like a home. If you've got the time, add a personal touch to your outdoor decor by making your own instead of buying one. And if you're really feeling inspired, make two and give the second to a friend as an early Christmas gift.

3 Get organized for gift wrapping
To save time during the hectic Christmas shopping season, set up a gift-wrapping station in an out-of-the-way spot in your home -- it will make it easy to wrap gifts as you buy them, and you won't be hunting around the house for the scissors, silver ribbon or gift tags. If you haven't got the space for a separate gift-wrapping table, put all your supplies in a couple of wicker baskets in the closet or under the bed for easy access.

4 Decorate the kitchen
Don't limit your holiday accents to the living room and entryway -- think about ways you can bring the spirit of the season into every room, including the kitchen. Try decorating the windowsill with candles and cedar boughs, putting a miniature Christmas tree on a shelf or draping doorways with garlands. For a finishing touch, simmer spices in water on the back of the stove to infuse your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

5 Cook up some appetizers
Get ready for guests – whether expected or impromptu – by preparing a selection of appetizers ahead of time. Just pick recipes that can be made in advance and frozen, and you could have a season's worth of hors d'oeuvres ready in an afternoon.

6 Host a cookie exchange
Rather than devoting hours of free time to baking each of your favourite holiday treats, arrange an exchange with friends and family. Organize it so that each person bakes a different type of cookie, enough to share around with everyone in the group. Don't forget to make a few extras to serve while everyone's exchanging the goods!

7 Hang some mistletoe
The custom of kissing under the mistletoe is said to come from an ancient Scandinavian tradition that when enemies met in the forest under mistletoe, they were to lay down their arms and observe a truce for the following day. Continue the tradition by hanging mistletoe in your home during the holiday season – and spread peace and goodwill among your guests.

8 Donate to the food bank
During this season of feasting, remember those who are less fortunate by bringing non-perishable food items or a monetary donation to your local food bank. Consider offering your time, as well, to help sort donations or perform other necessary tasks.

9 Let in the fresh air
It may be getting chilly outside, but that's no reason to keep the windows locked tight. Shutting up the house lets indoor pollutants accumulate, especially if it's fairly new and therefore airtight. Let in the cool, crisp air of early winter by opening the windows for a few minutes daily – longer if the weather is cooperating – and enjoy the fresh scent of a well-aired home.

10 Make homemade eggnog
Eggnog is so rich and sinfully delicious, it's probably a good thing we don't drink it all year round. So don't settle for nog in a carton – it's easy to make your own, and the results are well worth the time spent.

Tips & Tricks

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

The holiday hustle can make the season seem daunting. The Moody family has some tips on how to make it exciting once again.

When November hits, the pressure is on for any busy family. The real challenge, however, is keeping the holidays as fun and stress-free as possible. Despite hectic careers, hockey tournaments, theatre performances and family gatherings, Surrey, B.C., designer Lisa Moody of Grapevine Designs tackles this feat with panache, along with her husband, Ron, and their kids, Svea, 14, Eston, 12, and Eli, 9. Here, we get a glimpse into their stylish 6,900 sq. ft. home, plus a few of the festive traditions that make Christmas especially merry for the Moody clan.

Photo Gallery

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

DIY garland

Homeowner and designer Lisa Moody made this advent calendar garland 10 years ago by combining her kids’ stray socks with some Christmas-themed ones bought on sale after the holidays.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Jennifer Hughes
Source: Janis Nicolay

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

Trimming the tree

“There will be a day when I’ll have a formal Christmas tree,” says Lisa with a laugh. But when three kids are contributing to the scheme, bright, fun colours and childhood mementoes reign for now.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Jennifer Hughes
Source: Janis Nicolay

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

Family-friendly decorations

“We decorate our faux tree at the end of November. It’s nice to get the decorating done early so we can enjoy the season longer.”

Image by: Style at Home
By: Jennifer Hughes
Source: Janis Nicolay

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

Family gathering spot

The kids (from left), Svea, Eli and Eston, hang out with Lisa (far right) and enjoy Christmas treats in the dining area. The simple modern table and chairs are durable, prac­tical choices for family mealtime.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Jennifer Hughes
Source: Janis Nicolay

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

Creative wrapping

Lisa packages presents using plain white kraft paper jazzed up with colourful and patterned ribbons as well as left­ over scraps of holiday gift wrap.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Jennifer Hughes
Source: Janis Nicolay

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

Elf on the Shelf

The fireplace, which has a soaring marble-clad surround, is a focal point for the family during the holidays. Can you spot the Elf on the Shelf? It sits in one of the the built-in maple cubbies and is the origin of many hilarious holiday shenanigans.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Jennifer Hughes
Source: Janis Nicolay

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

Holiday hub

The Moody home is the place for family parties during the holidays, and the island in the kitchen, with its yellow wooden stools, is where everyone gathers.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Jennifer Hughes
Source: Janis Nicolay

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

Casual night in

“When a big dinner party seems too overwhelming, we’ll have friends over for cocktails and snacks by the fire.”

Image by: Style at Home
By: Jennifer Hughes
Source: Janis Nicolay

9 fun and stress-free holiday decorating tips

Easiest kids' party ever

Lisa hosts a Christmas party for the kids and their friends. This year, they’re decorating gingerbread cookies and enjoying hot chocolate in festive mugs with marshmallows, candy canes and chocolate chips.